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Charlie, Presumed Dead
Charlie, Presumed Dead
Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 12, 2016
Review
Lena and Aubrey, the girlfriends, meet for the first time at Charlie's funeral. Charlie has been in an airplane explosion and presumed dead. Neither girl knew about the other, but they each believe that Charlie is still alive and develop a rocky partnership as they piece together their different experiences with Charlie. Their complex involvement with Charlie, their own secrets and various clues leads them through Europe and India to a sinister end that seems like a cliff hanger. Lena, Aubrey and Charlie's character are exposed at a pace that will keep readers turning the pages. Do we really know who we are dating? Is a relationship that feels safe really dangerous? In Bangkok, the girls are introduced to the ladyboy culture. There is some alcohol and drug use as part of the jet-setting culture. Heltzel provides vivid details of the various exotic settings along that way that adds a rich layer to this psychological thriller.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Heltzel, Anne
Illustrator: ,
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: mystery,horror
Audience: grades 10-12
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: fair
ISBN: 9780544388499
Price: 17.99